Nanaimo to open shelter with 35 units for the homeless amid COVID-19

In response to a request from BC Housing, the Province and Nanaimo have now agreed on a location to use as an Emergency Response Centre (ERC) for the city’s homeless during the pandemic.

On March 30, the city provided the province with a list of city-owned facilities that might be suitable to be used as a shelter for the homeless that still allowed physical distancing.

The province and the City of Nanaimo have agreed to use the Community Services Building on 285 Prideaux Street as a temporary shelter during the COVID-19 crisis.

The ERC will operate out of existing vacant spaces, but will also require additional space as well, and as a result, some tenants currently operating out of the Community Services Building will be relocated by June 1.

“We are working with local governments and health authorities throughout the province to make sure spaces like these are available to help us mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and support people in need,” said Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Island Health and BC Housing are jointly leading the pandemic planning for the health and shelter needs, with support from the city of Nanaimo.

“The COVID-19 health emergency is not limited to just Nanaimo and we understand that resources are being stretched across the Province,” said Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog. “BC Housing and Island Health have been great partners to the City as both agencies are participating, and continue to participate, in the Council-led Health and Housing Task Force.”

The pandemic planning and response for the health and shelter needs for those who are homeless is being led jointly by Island Health and BC Housing, with support from the City of Nanaimo.

“We will continue to work with the City of Nanaimo and community partners across the province to build off the work already underway through our Homes for B.C. plan, to ensure people and communities are supported during this crisis and beyond,” said Robinson.

The City says an experienced non-profit operator who has significant experience working with vulnerable populations will oversee the day-to-day management of the ERC.

The 7-10 Club and Options for Sexual Health will remain on-site to serve the needs of the community and the vulnerable population. The club’s hours are reduced due to the pandemic, and it is only providing essential services.

In Monday’s Council meeting, the city agreed to grant temporary relief from lease and rental payments to organizations that occupy City facilities that have been closed or severely impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This relief extends to those operating out of the Community Services Building.

The ERC on Prideaux Street is scheduled to open in June and will provide approximately 35 shelter spaces for the duration of the pandemic.

In the past two years, homelessness in Nanaimo has jumped 25 per cent, with approximately 425 people now living on the streets.

The city says it is constantly working with the province to find and create more spaces for the homes during the coronavirus crisis.

According to Nanaimo, more details will be released when the shelter becomes operational.

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